The US Senate passed a $95 billion war aid package to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the bill to President Joe Biden for signature after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
The bill passed the Senate by an overwhelming 79-18 vote Tuesday night, after the House of Representatives approved the package on Saturday.
Bayedenu, who worked with congressional leaders to win support, said in a statement immediately after the passage that he would sign it on Wednesday and begin the process of sending weapons to Ukraine, which is struggling to maintain its front lines against Russia.
“Tonight, the bipartisan majority in the Senate joined the House of Representatives to answer the call at this critical juncture. Congress passed my bill to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership. We firmly stand for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression,” Biden wrote on Platform X after the Senate approved the package.
The bill also includes $26 billion in war aid to Israel and humanitarian aid to the citizens of Gaza, and $8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. U.S. officials said about $1 billion in aid could arrive soon, with the bulk coming in the coming weeks.
